Evidence-Based School Holiday Activities Recommended by Therapists

Evidence-Based School Holiday Activities Recommended by Therapists

School holidays are a perfect time for children to unwind, explore new interests, and have fun. Our multidisciplinary team at All About Kids has compiled a list of therapist-recommended activities that are enjoyable and support children’s development in meaningful ways. From sensory play and mindfulness to physical activities and creative expression, these suggestions are backed by research and tailored to nurture kids' growth in the areas they need most.

1. Sensory Play for Skill Development and Fun

Why It’s Beneficial: Sensory play engages children’s senses, which can improve focus, self-regulation, and motor skills. Occupational therapists use sensory activities to help kids process sensory information, a crucial skill for daily functioning and emotional balance.

Activity Ideas:

• Water Play Stations: Set up a safe outdoor water play area with items like sponges, scoops, and cups for pouring. Water play is not only refreshing in summer but also helps improve fine motor skills and sensory regulation.
• DIY Sensory Bins: Use household items to create bins filled with sand, rice, or dried beans, adding small toys or objects to find. Searching and sorting can help children engage their senses and strengthen tactile exploration.
• Nature-Based Sensory Scavenger Hunt: Encourage children to find specific items in nature that feel smooth, rough, cold, or soft. This activity builds sensory awareness, which is grounding and calming.

2. Summer-Safe Physical Activities

Why It’s Beneficial: Exercise supports children’s physical health, strengthens coordination, and helps build resilience and self-confidence. Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists recommend regular physical activity to foster both gross and fine motor development.

Activity Ideas:

• Early Morning or Evening Walks: Walking during cooler hours is a great way to enjoy nature and stay active safely. These walks can also serve as bonding time.
• Obstacle Courses in Shady Spots: Set up mini obstacle courses with jumping, balancing, or crawling exercises in a shaded backyard or park. These activities encourage coordination and motor control.
• Water-Based Games: Swimming is ideal for summer exercise, building strength, coordination, and endurance. Fun games like “treasure dive” or “pool races” keep kids cool and active.

3. Language-Boosting Activities

Why It’s Beneficial: Holidays can be a great time to practice communication skills in engaging ways. Speech therapists recommend activities that support language development, which is foundational for academic and social success.

Activity Ideas:

• Storytelling Picnics: Take a picnic and encourage kids to create stories about what they observe. This builds vocabulary, descriptive skills, and narrative abilities.
• Descriptive Scavenger Hunt: Use a scavenger hunt to help children practice describing objects they find (colour, size, texture). This promotes expressive language.
• Themed Craft Projects: Pick a theme like “Under the Sea” or “Space Adventures” for craft days. Children can describe their creations and learn new words in the process.

4. Creative Arts and Crafting for Self-Expression

Why It’s Beneficial: Engaging in creative arts can help children develop fine motor skills, express themselves, and build confidence. Creative activities can also provide an outlet for emotions and enhance problem-solving skills.

Activity Ideas:

• DIY Crafts from Recycled Materials: Use items like cardboard, buttons, or jars for crafts. Crafting with recycled materials can build fine motor skills and encourage environmental awareness.
• Painting and Drawing Sessions: Set up a mini art studio where kids can explore colours, shapes, and textures. Art helps children express themselves creatively, which is great for emotional development.
• Baking and Decorating Treats Together: Baking offers a mix of creativity and following instructions, boosting kids’ confidence as they create something from scratch.

5. Social Activities and Group Play for Building Social Skills

Why It’s Beneficial: Social play is essential for developing communication, cooperation, and conflict-resolution skills. Holidays provide great opportunities for kids to practice these skills through structured and unstructured group activities.

Activity Ideas:

• Playdates with Team Games: Cooperative games like building with blocks, tag, or family board games encourage teamwork and turn-taking.
• Family Game Nights: Set aside time for family games. Simple games like charades or Pictionary can be fun and help kids practice communication.
• Storytelling Circles: In a small group, each child can contribute to a collective story, enhancing their ability to listen, take turns, and share ideas.

6. Mindfulness and Relaxation Activities for Emotional Resilience

Why It’s Beneficial: Practicing mindfulness can help children learn to regulate their emotions and handle stress. Psychologists recommend mindfulness techniques to improve children’s emotional awareness and resilience.

Activity Ideas:

• Mindful Nature Walks: Encourage children to listen, observe, and feel their surroundings while walking. This helps them practice mindfulness and be present in the moment.
• Create a Calm-Down Jar: Mix water and glitter in a jar for a relaxing visual tool. When shaken, children can watch the glitter settle while practicing deep breathing.
• Gratitude Journaling: Encourage children to draw or write about things they’re grateful for each day. This simple practice can promote positive thinking and emotional awareness.

7. Reading and Literacy Activities for Language and Cognitive Development

Why It’s Beneficial: Regular reading is crucial for language, literacy, and cognitive development. Holidays are an ideal time to build these skills in relaxed, enjoyable ways.

Activity Ideas:

• Library Visits and Book Challenges: Plan library outings and set reading goals to encourage children’s love for books.
• Create Storybooks Together: Help kids create their own picture books or comics. This combines storytelling with drawing, reinforcing both language and fine motor skills.
• Daily Family Reading Time: Set aside time each day for family reading. Reading together fosters a love of books and provides a cozy bonding experience.

These school holiday activities provide plenty of options to support your child’s growth and development in enjoyable ways! From sensory play to social activities, each suggestion is grounded in therapeutic value and tailored to encourage kids to explore, create, and learn. Let’s make these holidays memorable and meaningful, setting kids up for success both now and in the future!